Donald H. Clausen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Clausen
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California |
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| In office January 22, 1963 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Clement W. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Douglas H. Bosco (Redistricting) |
| Constituency | 1st District (1963-1975) 2nd District (1975-1983) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Holst Clausen
April 27, 1923 Ferndale, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 7, 2015 (aged 91) Fortuna, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jessie Oleva Piper |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Battles/wars | Pacific Theater, World War II |
Donald Holst "Don" Clausen (April 27, 1923 – February 7, 2015) was an American businessman and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for California for twenty years. He was elected ten times, serving from 1963 to 1983. Don Clausen was also a veteran of World War II.
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Who Was Don Clausen?
Donald "Don" Clausen was born on April 27, 1923, in Ferndale, California. He was a very good student in elementary and high school. He also played five different sports, including tennis, track, basketball, football, and baseball. He was even the drum major for his school band!
Early Life and Military Service
After high school, Don Clausen attended several colleges. These included San José State University and California Polytechnic State University. He joined the United States Navy's aviation program. During World War II, he became a pilot. He flew F4U Corsair planes from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean from 1944 to 1945.
After the War and Local Politics
After the war, Clausen returned home. He helped create the Del Norte County Airport. He also served on the board of supervisors for Del Norte County, California. This was a local government role, which he held from 1955 to 1962. He also owned two businesses in Crescent City, California: an insurance company and an air ambulance service.
Don Clausen in Congress
Don Clausen was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican. He first won a special election in 1963. He then won nine more times, serving until 1983. He represented different parts of California during his time in Congress.
Proudest Accomplishment
One of Don Clausen's proudest achievements was creating the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. This beautiful area is located in the Redwood National Park. Many important people attended its dedication. These included former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson. President Richard Nixon and future President Ronald Reagan were also there.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1982, Don Clausen ran for re-election but lost. After leaving Congress, he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration. He served as a director of special programs from 1983 to 1990. He lived in Santa Rosa, California, after his time in Washington, D.C.
Several places are named in Don Clausen's honor. The Don Clausen Fish Hatchery is in Sonoma County, California. Also, a part of US Highway 101 was renamed the Don Clausen Highway in 1996. This was because he worked hard to get money for building that road. He also helped fund the Redwood National Park Visitor Center.
Don Clausen passed away on February 7, 2015, in Fortuna, California. He was 91 years old. His official papers from his time in Congress are kept at the Humboldt State University library.
Images for kids
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A building at the Del Norte County Airport is one of the many sites dedicated to Clausen.
